Ryan Giggs will face a retrial next summer over allegations he assaulted his ex-girlfriend after alleged coercive and controlling behaviour in their relationship.
The former Manchester United and Wales winger, 48, faced a trial at ManchesterCrown Court over the claims, but the jury were unable to return verdicts.
He is accused of headbutting Kate Greville in the face during an altercation at his £1.7 million mansion in Worsley, Greater Manchester on November 30, 2020.
Ms Greville has also claimed Giggs was abusive, controlling, and occasionally violent over three years of their relationship, between 2017 and 2020.
On Wednesday morning, prosecutor Peter Wright QC confirmed there would be a retrial of the case and Ms Greville is willing to give evidence again.
“The matter has been considered at a senior level within the CPS and also the willingness of the complainant to give evidence again”, he told the court.
“There’s no indication to the contrary. So far as they are concerned, in fact they have indicated a preparedness to do so.”
Giggs said he is “obviously disappointed” that he is to face a retrial but wants to clear his name.
In a statement to the PA news agency, he said: “After more than three weeks in court I am obviously disappointed that a retrial has been ordered.
“My not guilty plea remains in relation to all charges. I am confident that justice will eventually be done and my name will be cleared of all the allegations.
“I would like to thank my legal team, my mum, my children, my girlfriend Zara, as well as my closest friends, for their support throughout this period.
“I understand the level of interest and the scrutiny around this case but I would like to ask that my and my family's privacy is respected in the weeks and months ahead.”
Giggs, not present in court on Wednesday, denies assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by beating, and coercive and controlling behaviour.
The jury in his first trial deliberated for almost 23 hours before concluding it could not reach verdicts on the charges.
Giggs, the former interim Manchester United manager and Wales national team boss, is accused of bombarding Ms Greville with messages, turning up unannounced at her home and gym, and reacting angrily when she accused him of cheating.
The star admits being unfaithful throughout his adult life but he insists he was neither controlling nor violent to Ms Greville.
Giggs, a 13-time Premier League winner with Manchester United, has been on bail since his arrest in November 2020, and will remain on bail until next year’s trial.
He stood down from his role as Wales national manager to focus on the criminal case.
